April 2016

12 April 2016 -
Speaking to a packed committee room last night in Westminster, Chairman of the Bar Chantal-Aimée Doerries QC, told MPs and Peers they have a “rare and important opportunity” to protect one of our most fundamental constitutional rights; the right to consult a lawyer in confidence.

8 April 2016 -
Surveillance campaigners are challenging MPs to boost safety and confidentiality measures in the controversial Investigatory Powers Bill, before it is rushed in to law.
On Monday evening the Speak in Safety campaign hosts an event in Parliament, chaired by Joanna Cherry QC MP, to persuade MPs and Lords that more caution is needed. Crucial clauses in the Bill are up for debate in Committee the next day.
According to the Speak in Safety campaign, the Bill does not protect the safety and confidentiality of sources and whistleblowers, or of individuals seeking legal representation.

1 April 2016 -
The Investigatory Powers Bill jeopardises the client's right to speak with their lawyer in confidence and threatens the anonymity of journalists' sources and whistleblowers.
If you want to help, please send the email below to your MP explaining that you would like them to attend the Speak in Safety event on Monday 11 April, Committee Room 11, 17.00 - 18.30.

23 March 2016 -
The Bar Council has rolled out a compendium of FAQs specifically to help chambers complete compulsory monitoring and reporting on the profile of barristers and staff. The move comes after the Bar Council’s Equality & Diversity Helpline received a number of calls with queries from chambers about the process, which must take place at least every three years.

22 March 2016 -
The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) and The Bar Council of England and Wales are extremely concerned to hear reports of raids on the houses of nine lawyers in Istanbul in the early hours of 16 March 2016.